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Ex-Fulham, Cardiff striker Johnson misses out on USA call

Juergen Klinsmann just didn't see Eddie Johnson in the USA national team roster.

The 30-year old DC United forward was left out of Klinsmann's provisional 30-man squad for the 2014 World Cup despite scoring some vital goals during qualifying and in last summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup triumph.

Former FC Dallas, Fulham, Cardiff City and Seattle Sounders attacker Johnson scored five of his 19 international goals in 2013 but Klinsmann still overlooked him which the German took time to explain after announcing his initial roster.

"The way I want to build the puzzle for the 23-man roster, I see those players competing ahead of the curve," Klinsmann told reporters on a teleconference call.

"But I always recognize Eddie's value and strengths overall. Not only by scoring very important goals and getting us to Brazil, but he's a player who can make a difference within a second of being on the field

"It was a very difficult decision based on what he's done with me the whole time, and now not getting that chance at the last moment, it's a tough one on him."

Klinsmann added: "In Eddie's case, it's really, really difficult.

"He's a player who brings so much to the table and has done so well with us over the last two years, and scored very, very important goals. And he can also play as a left wing or a right wing.

"But at the end of the day you have to put them together make your ranking [of the forwards], and that's just where you don't see Eddie in this roster right now."

About the author

Andrew Slevison is an avid sports fan, particularly of the world game. The Melbourne, Australia native, who has spent time living in London and travelling South America, takes a keen interest in the English Premier League and Major League Soccer and rates his best live footballing moment as the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.